The last time the Cheshire High girls volleyball team lost a match was on Nov. 17, 2012, to Darien, in the Class LL championship.

One year and 26 victories later, the Rams are determined to wrap up some unfinished business.

"We did not expect to be undefeated this year," said coach Sue Bavone. "The goal was to get back to the final and redeem ourselves for last year."

Last year, the Rams lost to Darien in that final, 3-0. The games were not close. For a program that always plays big in big matches, that 2012 final has fired Cheshire's desire this season.

"We have a lot of returning players, a lot more experience and lot more time together," said setter Sarah Rodgers. "And we have heart. Everyone wants to be on that floor and everyone wants that last ball to come to them."

The Wreckers seek a first-ever state title, and the FCIAC finalists have weapons, namely Amelia Brackett. She had 25 kills in the stirring "LL" semi when Staples avenged a defeat to Greenwich from the FCIAC final. Staples won the state semi over the Cardinal, 3-1.

The Rams, on the other hand, spread the attack around. Everyone, it seems, can hit.

"There are so many options where (Rodgers) can go," said libero Maria Buzzelli. "Sarah can go anywhere on the court. No one is weak in any aspect of the game."

And of course, there is the coach. Bavone leads the Rams into a seventh girls final. Add in the boys program and she's been with the Rams in nine state finals. There are also 10 SCC girls titles in 20 seasons.

"The coach," Buzzelli said, "holds us to a high standard, something even beyond high school. She pushes us to be our best."

Cheshire will have to be at its best tonight. Three of the four "LL" semifinalists were FCIAC schools. Staples has faced championship caliber opponents ever since its conference postseason began.

"We are going to have to bring it," Bavone said. "We will have to serve tough and play solid, side-out volleyball."

Bavone said there is only one message to put in front of the team.

"Have fun," she said. "Once you get to the final you know, no matter what, your season is going to end. There is no pressure there. You just got to go out and have fun. Hopefully, if we take care of business, we should end up on the right side of that."

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